Pro Street 69 Camaro | FerrariChat

Pro Street 69 Camaro

Discussion in 'American Muscle' started by metaldriver, Jan 2, 2022.

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  1. metaldriver

    metaldriver Formula Junior

    Apr 6, 2015
    631
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Andy Vecsey
    The time has arrived to build my subject car, but there are a few forks in the road … any comments or experience from those who have done similar before, are appreciated. No flame wars or pissing contests, just looking for input, but NO STORIES ABOUT Ford, Mopar, etc. All are strong marques but I am only interested in the Bow Tie.

    I grew up with small-blocks but am slowly gravitating towards a big-block, low compression, nasty camshaft.

    Originally planning on a naturally aspirated tunnel ram with appropriately sized Holley double-pumpers, now leaning towards a 6-71 or 8-71 with bug-catcher on top.

    Car will not be tracked, only a boulevard cruiser, so a Tremec stick shift is in the plan.

    Not sure if Brembo or Wilwood will be the grabbers.

    Stick axle with 4.58 or 4.88 cogs, not sure if Quaife limited slip or a Strange solid spool.

    Horsepower will be what it will be, vehicle weight will be what it will be. Besides the multitude of details - wheels, clutch, cage, cell, hoses, color, frame, tubs, etc. - is there something significant I am overlooking?
     
  2. werewolf

    werewolf F1 World Champ
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    Dec 29, 2007
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    goodbye
    I like your thinking :)

    You've already mentioned it, but: FRAME (chassis). A '69 Camaro (just about my favorite car of all time) will need a strong foundation (aka frame/chassis) for the power you're planning. I'd say, start there :)

    Also: full steel reproduction bodies are readily available ;)
     
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  3. Nativetroy

    Nativetroy F1 Veteran
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    Nov 29, 2010
    5,990
    central fl
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    Troy
    I wouldn’t go over 4.56 gears. Even as a cruiser. First two gears will be pointless, unless you do giant tires in tubs. 4.10’s would probably be more than enough with the power that engine will make. Find a solid chassis to base the build for sure. So many options now, build it how you want and have a blast.
     
  4. DIGMAN52

    DIGMAN52 F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 30, 2004
    4,094
    Dallas Texas
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    Philip C
    As an old drag racer, I would love a big block with a huge lumpy cam, and that amazing sound of the lifters coming through the headers.
     
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  5. metaldriver

    metaldriver Formula Junior

    Apr 6, 2015
    631
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Andy Vecsey
    Jeff / Troy / Philip - thank you for your input. A few comments.

    Yeah, 4.56 or 4.88 is perhaps too much gear but that is what I ran during the Mouse Motor days. A Rat Motor will easily propel with 4.11. Although the transmission can be fitted with an under-drive final gear, but yes, with too much differential the first two gears would be worthless. I am on the fence about tubs with big tires or fitting with “reasonable” sized tires, since I’ll be framing anyhow.

    There is a custom shop in Houston that can fab the **** out of 2 x 3 rectangular tubing, which is my plan vs the unibody structure.

    Regarding lifters, the cam will have rollers with needle-bearing (call me old fashioned) rockers.
     
  6. werewolf

    werewolf F1 World Champ
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    goodbye
    i think i love you ...
     
  7. werewolf

    werewolf F1 World Champ
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    Back in the 70's we would run 4.11 gears with 4-speed transmissions (!) ... final gear was 1:1 (if i recall), no overdrive.

    Go with 4.56 ... you know you want to :) if you stick with 4.11, you'll always be wondering about those 4.56's ;) not a hard swap, in any case.
     
  8. BMW.SauberF1Team

    BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

    Dec 4, 2004
    14,440
    FL
    First gen Camaro is one of my favorite cars of all time and I love the sound of an idling big block...probably the best sounding out there. Brings back good memories of high school going to Friday meet ups with a lot of street rods and muscle cars in FL.

     
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  9. DIGMAN52

    DIGMAN52 F1 Rookie
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    Jan 30, 2004
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    Philip C
    Yes, that's what I'm talking about !
    Thanks for making my day.
     
  10. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 2, 2014
    3,621
    Central FL/NW WI
    You are a total 60s muscle junkie!
     
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